2021 West Virginia Code
Chapter 48. Domestic Relations
Article 9. Allocation of Custodial Responsibility and Decision-Making Responsibility of Children
§48-9-102. Objectives; Best Interests of the Child
(a) The primary objective of this article is to serve the childs best interests, by facilitating:
(1) Stability of the child;
(2) Parental planning and agreement about the childs custodial arrangements and upbringing;
(3) Continuity of existing parent-child attachments;
(4) Meaningful contact between a child and each parent;
(5) Caretaking and parenting relationships by adults who love the child, know how to provide for the childs needs, and who place a high priority on doing so;
(6) Security from exposure to physical or emotional harm;
(7) Expeditious, predictable decision-making and avoidance of prolonged uncertainty respecting arrangements for the childs care and control; and
(8) Meaningful contact between a child and his or her siblings, including half-siblings.
(b) A secondary objective of article is to achieve fairness between the parents.
